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Old English Terrier Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Old English Terrier so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
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OriginEngland flagEngland
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is an Old English Terrier known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Black Terrier
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is an Old English Terrier? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred

Old English Terrier Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is an Old English Terrier? Learn how big the Old English Terrier breed typically grows.
Medium
Weight Statistics
How much does an Old English Terrier weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Old English Terrier breed.
Male: 55-80 pounds (25-36 kg), Female: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of an Old English Terrier?
Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Old English Terrier? Old English Terrier height:
Male: 22 - 24 inches (50 – 60 cm), Female: 20 - 22 inches (50 - 55 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of an Old English Terrier?
Male: 23 inches (58 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

Old English Terrier Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does an Old English Terrier puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Old English Terrier costs.
Unknown
Unfortunately, we couldn't find the price of the Old English Terrier. If you have a Old English Terrier for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Old English Terrier gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Old English Terrier? How many Old English Terrier are there in the world?
Average: The Old English Terrier is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Old English Terrier Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is an Old English Terrier? Discover the Old English Terrier's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Low: The Old English Terrier is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. You need to work hard if you want to impress people with these dog tricks and commands. They understand and memorize new commands in 80-100 repetitions, and obey the first command 25% of the time or better.
Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train an Old English Terrier? Learn about the Old English Terrier's trainability and response to training methods.
Old English Terrier dogs are hard to train. They don't really get the association between commands and actions. If you want them to obey, you should be very consistent and patient while teaching.
Watchdog Rating
How good is an Old English Terrier as a watchdog? Learn about the Old English Terrier's alertness and guarding instincts.
Old English Terrier dogs are not the best choice if you want a good watchdog. They aren't territorial and protective about their property, so they won't alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is an Old English Terrier protective of its territory? Learn about the Old English Terrier's guarding instincts and behavior.
Old English Terrier dogs can't provide protection for their territory. It's better to leave them out of the duty of protecting your valuables and property.

Old English Terrier Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does an Old English Terrier have? Learn about characteristic Old English Terrier temperament and behavior traits.
AffectionateQuickCompanionableNervousLazyCouch Potato
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Old English Terrier sensitivity:
Sensitive: Old English Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is an Old English Terrier a good family dog?
High: Old English Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Black Terrier need? Old English Terrier social needs:
Old English Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Old English Terrier to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Old English Terrier roam?
Old English Terrier dogs are not the biggest explorers. They have low wanderlust potential. Low chance of escaping from home with this breed.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Old English Terrier have high prey drive?
Old English Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Old English Terrier dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Old English Terrier Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does an Old English Terrier bark a lot? Learn about typical Old English Terrier vocalization patterns and triggers.
Low: The Old English Terrier barks none to minimal. Perfect choice if you prefer a quiet breed.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is an Old English Terrier? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Old English Terrier breed.
Old English Terriers don't really like playing. You need to find another activity to make them happy.
Apartment Adaptability
Can an Old English Terrier live in an apartment? Learn about the Old English Terrier's suitability for apartment living.
Very house-friendly dog the Old English Terrier breed. It's good if you have a small garden where he can go out and do his business, but it's not important at all. You can get enough exercise with one or two walks a day, so keeping them indoors shouldn't be a problem.

Old English Terrier Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is an Old English Terrier to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Old English Terrier's flexibility to new situations.
Old English Terrier dogs adapt badly to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't tolerate moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can an Old English Terrier be left alone? Learn about the Old English Terrier's tolerance to solitude.
Old English Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Old English Terrier Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is an Old English Terrier biting potential? Learn about the Old English Terrier's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Old English Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is an Old English Terrier mouthy? Learn about the Old English Terrier's tendency to use mouth during play.
Old English Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Old English Terrier dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is an Old English Terrier bite? Learn about the Old English Terrier's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Old English Terrier bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Old English Terrier measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of an Old English Terrier is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Old English Terrier bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Old English Terrier bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train an Old English Terrier puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Old English Terrier, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Old English Terrier bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, an Old English Terrier can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Old English Terrier Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does an Old English Terrier live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Old English Terrier breed.
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Old English Terrier: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does an Old English Terrier handle different weather? Learn about the Old English Terrier's climate adaptability.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Old English Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in an Old English Terrier? Discover typical conditions affecting the Old English Terrier breed.
Old English Terriers tend to have a lot and frequent health issues. Regular vet check-ups are essential with this breed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does an Old English Terrier need vet visits? Learn about the Old English Terrier's veterinary care requirements.
Frequent
The Old English Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.

Old English Terrier Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is an Old English Terrier? Understand daily activity needs of the Old English Terrier breed.
Old English Terrier dogs are low-energy dogs. They like sleeping hours on a comfortable couch.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does an Old English Terrier need? How much exercise do Old English Terrier dogs require per day?

Do Old English Terrier dogs need a lot of exercises?

Old English Terrier dogs exercise need is very minimal. If you live a lazy life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Old English Terrier breed need?
Old English Terrier dogs need a lot of sleep. They love naps during the day. If you live a lazy life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Old English Terrier Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is an Old English Terrier prone to weight gain? Learn about the Old English Terrier's obesity risks.
High: The Old English Terrier breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding. If you want to keep balance, increase the amount and frequency of your daily dog walk and play with the Old English Terrier more often.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Old English Terrier weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does an Old English Terrier need daily? Learn about the Old English Terrier's feeding requirements.
2.5 to 3.5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.

Old English Terrier Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is an Old English Terrier hypoallergenic? Learn about the Old English Terrier's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Old English Terrier dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does an Old English Terrier come in? Discover all possible Old English Terrier color variations.
Black
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does an Old English Terrier need? Learn about Old English Terrier coat maintenance requirements.
Effortless: The Old English Terrier requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. Old English Terrier is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Highly recommended for beginners.
Drooling Tendency
Does an Old English Terrier drool a lot? Learn about the Old English Terrier's drooling habits.
The Old English Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Old English Terrier could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Old English Terrier.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does an Old English Terrier smell bad? Learn about the Old English Terrier's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Old English Terrier has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does an Old English Terrier have? Learn about the Old English Terrier's fur characteristics.
WaterproofHarsh
Bathing Needs
How often does an Old English Terrier need baths? Learn about the Old English Terrier's bathing requirements.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Shedding Level
How much do Old English Terrier dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Black Terrier? Do Old English Terrier dogs shed a lot?
Old English Terrier dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.

Old English Terrier Good With

Child Compatibility
Is an Old English Terrier good with children? Learn about the Old English Terrier's behavior around kids of different ages.
Old English Terrier dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does an Old English Terrier get along with other pets? Discover the Old English Terrier's compatibility with other animals.
Old English Terrier dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Old English Terrier temperament with other people:
Old English Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
How well do Old English Terrier dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Old English Terrier breed live with a cat?
Old English Terrier dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Old English Terrier good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Old English Terrier dogs get along with other dogs?
Old English Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Old English Terrier is not a good choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Old English Terrier breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Old English Terrier breed suitable for first-time owners?
No
Old English Terrier dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Office Friendly
Are Old English Terrier dogs good office canines? Do Old English Terrier dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Old English Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Old English Terrier dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Black Terrier temperament with senior people? Are Old English Terrier dogs good for elderly owners?
Old English Terriers are commonly okay with elderly people.

Old English Terrier As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can an Old English Terrier be a service dog? Learn about the Old English Terrier's service work potential.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Old English Terrier is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is an Old English Terrier good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Old English Terrier's therapy work aptitude.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Old English Terrier is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is an Old English Terrier good at detection work? Learn about the Old English Terrier's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Old English Terrier is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can an Old English Terrier do search and rescue? Learn about the Old English Terrier's SAR capabilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Old English Terrier is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is an Old English Terrier good on boats? Learn about the Old English Terrier's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Old English Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can an Old English Terrier pull carts? Learn about the Old English Terrier's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Old English Terrier is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was an Old English Terrier used in military service? Learn about the Old English Terrier's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Old English Terrier Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does an Old English Terrier usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
1-9 puppies, average 5
Pregnancy Duration
How long is an Old English Terrier pregnant? Learn about the Old English Terrier's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Old English Terrier: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can an Old English Terrier have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Old English Terrier Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is an Old English Terrier in? Learn about the Old English Terrier's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is an Old English Terrier in? Learn about the Old English Terrier's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

Old English Terrier Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Apartment Adaptability: Very house-friendly dog the Old English Terrier breed.
  • Grooming Requirements: Effortless: The Old English Terrier requires minimal grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Old English Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Old English Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Old English Terrier dogs are not the biggest explorers.
Cons
  • Intelligence Rating: Low: The Old English Terrier is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
  • Training Difficulty: Old English Terrier dogs are hard to train.
  • Health Concerns: Old English Terriers tend to have a lot and frequent health issues.
  • Allergy Friendliness: Old English Terrier dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Obesity Tendency: High: The Old English Terrier breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
  • Watchdog Rating: Old English Terrier dogs are not the best choice if you want a good watchdog.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Old English Terrier dogs adapt badly to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Old English Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Cat Friendly: Old English Terrier dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Old English Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Old English Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Old English Terrier dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.

Old English Terrier History

The oldest written use of the word ‘Terrier’ dates back to 1440, which shows that these types of dogs were already known in England at the time. However, some evidence shows that generally, they are much older than that. The word ‘Terrier’ originates back to the French term “Chein Terre” which means Earth and Ground dog. They received this name as originally they were used to catch small animals. Nobody knows exactly how the first Terriers were developed but some have developed theories and it is mostly agreed that they were developed within the confines of the British Isles from local breeds. They also suggest that the Terriers may share an ancestry with the Irish Wolfhound or Scottish Deerhound.

However they developed, they became popular among English farmers as their task was to kill the rats, mice, rabbits, foxes, and other pets that caused problems for the farmers. By doing so these dogs helped to increase agricultural yields and the farmers’ income. Although as time went by Terriers were considered miniature killers, aggressive to any creature which was the same size or smaller than them, energetic, athletic, and very pain tolerant. At one point there were dozens of distinct Terrier varieties found in Britain.

By the 18th century, the Old English Terrier was also known as the Black Terrier which moved into two types; the rough-coated and the smooth-coated Terrier. It was one of the oldest terrier breeds, which is now believed to be extinct and is said to be the ancestor of the Welsh Terrier and all Fell Terrier breeds. However we are not completely sure of its origin there have been several articles and books published about the subject such as Robert Leighton, who was writing early in the twentieth century in his book the Dogs And All About Them, published in 1914. He gave an admirable summary of the emerging and non-emerging breeds including the terriers of England as well and writes “A wire-haired black and tan terrier was once common in Suffolk and Norfolk, where it was much used for rabbiting, but it may now be extinct, or, if not extinct, probably identified with the Welsh Terrier, which it closely resembled in size and coloring.”

Even though the Old English Terrier is nowadays extinct, its blood continues in a number of other breeds like the Bull Terrier, Boston Terrier, Gull Terr, and Wire Fox Terrier, etc.

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